Varicella Zoster Virus specific T cell responses in untreated Giant Cell Arteritis: comment on the article by England et al

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis of unknown cause. Infections were long suspected as potential disease triggers, yet a disease causing pathogen has not been identified to date(1). Recently, several studies reported Varicella zoster virus (VZV) particles in artery biopsies(2). Alike other herpes viruses, VZV has a very high prevalence, remaining dormant in a latent stage controlled by the immune system. Loss of T cell-mediated viral control results in herpes zoster (or shingles). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.